Mask Adjunct Device

ABSTRACT

A mask insert and mask system for improving breathing during exertion are disclosed. A mask adjunct device allows for better ventilatory airflow to a masked user especially when moisture causes the mask to collapse against the face reducing airflow. The mask adjunct device is insertable under a face mask to provide a rigid structure defining non-collapsible space between the face and the outer mask. The mask adjunct device comprises a sidewall component comprising openings for air flow and a face engaging component for engaging the user&#39;s face. An outer wall component rigidly connects the sidewall component opposite the face engaging component to create the non-collapsible space. The system further comprises an outer face mask for positioning over the mask adjunct device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/035,288, which was filed on Jun. 5, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to a device insertable into a mask to facilitate breathing, and more specifically to a mask adjunct device configured to improve airflow ventilation especially during exercise. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

Face masks have been used in the health care industry to limit or prevent the transmission of disease for years. Health experts consistently agree that there is clear evidence that masks prevent the spread of disease. Masks are typically beneficial in at least two ways. They can protect the wearer from exposure to air born transmission of disease, contaminates, and pollutants. They also protect others from an infected mask wearer as the masks contain much of the exhaled and expelled airborne respiratory droplets.

One problem with convincing people to wear masks is the uncomfortable nature of masks and how they may affect breathing. Compared with normal breathing, wearing any kind of protective mask decreases the flow of air into the lungs. Less oxygen in the lungs means less oxygen enters the bloodstream and the working muscles, which is what makes training more difficult. Standard masks limit how hard a person can work or run due to the restricted airflow inherent in applying a physical barrier over the mouth and nose. This limits the ability of a mask user to run farther or faster. Exercise or other athletic activity such as playing sports, requires additional oxygenation. Masks naturally restrict the ability to inhale faster and deeper. Additionally, people with pre-existing breathing or medical conditions resist wearing a protective mask as the masks may interfere with adequate ventilation.

Monitoring exercise intensity is always essential for a safe and effective workout, with or without wearing a face covering. However, wearing any type of covering over the nose and mouth while exercising is likely to reduce the flow of oxygen into a person's lungs. Some workouts, especially high-intensity interval training, which have been shown to be very demanding on the cardiorespiratory system, become much more difficult. This is a direct result of reduced amounts of oxygen reaching the vigorously exercising muscles. Less oxygen to exercising skeletal muscle reduces cellular energy production to provide the needed energy to maintain the exercise intensity and duration. Therefore, a slightly lowered oxygen level reaching the muscle is a central contributing factor to fatigue. Some exercisers who wear face masks may notice they are not able to complete an otherwise “normal” workout, or they feel more fatigued than usual during and after the workout.

To minimize early symptoms of fatigue during exercise when using a face mask, exercise professionals often encourage the person exercising not to push themselves as hard as usual. They need to allow their cardiorespiratory system time to gradually adapt to the restriction of air flow caused by wearing the face mask. Fitness adaptations to changes in overload during workout programs usually take weeks to occur. Therefore, it may take several workouts and a significant amount of time before they are fully training at their regular exercise intensities to compensate for the restricted airflow.

In this manner, the improved mask adjunct device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution to improve breathing of a user wearing a mask. A primary feature of the present invention the improved airflow when moisture on the mask reduces airflow. As the mask sticks to the skin due to skin moisture, ventilation is reduced. The improved mask adjunct device allows the wearer to run and exercise without difficulty even when skin moisture dampens the mask limiting or restricting airflow through the mask.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mask adjunct device for use under an external face mask. The mask adjunct device is configured to increase and improve air circulation under the external face mask especially during periods of increased respiration. The mask adjunct device comprises an outer wall component, a sidewall component, and a face engaging component. The outer wall component is typically a rigidly constructed flat plate or dome comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings disposed therein. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external mask will not penetrate during inhalation.

The sidewall component extends generally inward from the outer wall component. The sidewall component comprises a nose engaging portion, a chin engaging portion, and a pair of sidewalls connecting the nose and chin engaging portions. The nose and chin engaging portions are rigidly constructed and may be anatomically shaped to better engage the user's nose and chin. The sidewall component further comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings disposed therein. The plurality of sidewall ventilation openings are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external mask will not penetrate during inhalation. The outer wall and sidewall components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space.

The face engaging component is attached to and extends around a perimeter of the sidewall component. The face engaging component is flexible and configured to conform to the user's face around the nose and mouth. The mask adjunct device may further comprise a securing component. The securing component may be an adjustable band attached to the sidewall component for securing the mask adjunct device to the user's face.

In an additional embodiment, a mask system for increasing air circulation comprises an outer face mask and a mask adjunct device. The mask adjunct device is insertable between the outer face mask and a user's face to define a non-collapsible interior space under the outer face mask. The outer mask comprises a facial covering portion and a securing portion for a user to don the outer face mask after the mask adjunct device is positioned.

The mask adjunct device comprises an outer wall component, a sidewall component, and a face engaging component. The outer wall component is a rigidly constructed plate or dome comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings disposed therein. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external face mask will not penetrate during inhalation.

The sidewall component extends generally inward from the outer wall component. The sidewall component comprises a nose engaging portion, a chin engaging portion, and a pair of sidewalls connecting the nose and chin engaging portions. The nose and chin engaging portions are rigidly constructed and may be anatomically shaped to better engage the user's nose and chin. The sidewall component further comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings disposed therein. The plurality of sidewall ventilation openings are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external face mask will not penetrate during inhalation. The outer wall and sidewall components combine to define the non-collapsible interior space.

The face engaging component is attached to and extends around a perimeter of the sidewall component. The face engaging component is flexible and configured to conform to the user's face around the nose and mouth. The mask adjunct device may further comprise a securing component. The securing component may be an adjustable band attached to the sidewall component for securing the mask adjunct device to the user's face under the external face mask.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mask adjunct device of the present invention configured to increase air circulation under an external mask in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the mask adjunct device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mask adjunct device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the mask adjunct device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mask system of the present invention comprising the mask adjunct device and an outer face mask in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the mask system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a closeup side perspective view of the mask system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a mask adjunct device designed to improve airflow through the mask. The lightweight insertable device allows for better ventilation for a user, especially during exercise when the mask may become damp with moisture causing it to collapse in against and stick to the face. The device increases and improves oxygen flow while running or performing intense exercise while wearing a mask. Once installed, the mask no longer limits breathing allowing the user to inhale deeply and take air into the lungs when wearing an outer mask.

The device allows for better ventilation airflow especially when moisture causes a mask to reduce airflow. As the mask sticks to the skin due to skin moisture, the mask further restricts airflow. The mask adjunct device alleviates this deficiency allowing a user to run while wearing a mask without difficulty even when skin moisture dampens the mask limiting airflow. The invention is also beneficial in warm weather conditions under non-exercise conditions where the mask becomes damp from perspiration. The invention is similarly beneficial for people suffering from medical conditions that make breathing difficult.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mask adjunct device 100 of the present invention configured to increase air circulation and airflow under an external mask especially during periods of increased respiration. The mask adjunct device 100 comprises an outer wall component 118, a sidewall component 102, and a face engaging component 116. The outer wall component 118 is generally rigidly constructed, typically in a flat, arced, geometric, or domed shape, from plastic or some other rigid light weight

terial. The outer wall component 118 comprises a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 disposed therein. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that an external mask will not penetrate during inhalation. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 may be

erently shaped as well.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sidewall component 102 is

ded with and extends generally inward from the outer wall component 118. The sidewall component 118 comprises a nose engaging portion 104, a chin engaging portion 106, and a pair of sidewalls 108 laterally connecting the nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106. The nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106 are generally rigidly constructed, typically from the same material and in the same manner as the outer wall component 118 and may be anatomically shaped to better engage the user's nose and chin. The sidewall component 102 further comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 disposed therein. The plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external mask will not penetrate during inhalation similar to the design and shape of the plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120.

The outer wall 118 and sidewall 102 components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space 122. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is dimensioned to provide a physical barrier to prevent the external mask from collapsing against the face thereby interfering with breathing. Additionally, the non-collapsible interior space 122 prevents the exterior mask from absorbing moisture from perspiration as users exerts themselves. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is typically at least one inch in depth but may be deeper or shallower to accommodate children or larger people as desired.

The face engaging component 116 is attached to and extends around a perimeter 114 of the sidewall component 102 opposite the outer wall component 118. The face engaging component is generally flexible 116 and configured to conform to and adjust to the user's face around the nose and mouth. The face engaging component 116 may be manufacturer from a rubber, silicon, or similar flexible material, such as a rubber gasket, that can at least partially seal the mask adjunct device 100 around the nose and mouth while simultaneously acting as a cushion to decrease pressure against the face.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the mask adjunct device 100

further comprise a securing component 126. The securing component 126 may be an adjustable or elastic band attachable or otherwise securable to the sidewall component 102 for securing the mask adjunct device 100 to the user's face. The sidewall component 102 may further comprise a pair of securing component holes 112. The securing component holes 112 may be positioned through each of the pair of sidewalls 108 of the sidewall component 102 located substantially opposite each other. The securing component 126 could then attach to the sidewall component 102 through the pair of securing component holes 112 via a pair of fasteners or holding elements.

In another embodiment as further illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, a mask system 200 mask system for increasing air circulation comprises an outer face mask 202 and a mask adjunct device 100. The mask adjunct device 100 is insertable between the outer face mask 202 and a user's face to define a non-collapsible interior space 122 under the outer face mask 202. The outer face mask 202 comprises a facial covering portion 204 and a securing portion 210 for a user to don the outer face mask 202 after the mask adjunct device 100 is positioned within. The outer face mask 202 is positioned so that an inside surface 106 of the outer face mask 202 abuts the mask adjunct device 100 once donned and an outer surface 208 of the outer face mask 202 is exposed to the outside environment as illustrated in FIG. 7.

The mask adjunct device 100 comprises an outer wall component 118, a sidewall component 102, and a face engaging component 116. The outer wall component 118 is generally rigidly constructed and shaped as defined in the previous embodiment, typically in a flat or domed shape. The outer wall component 118 comprises a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 disposed therein. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that an external mask will not penetrate during inhalation. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 may be differently shaped as well.

The sidewall component 102 is molded with and extends generally inward from the outer wall component 118. The sidewall component 118 comprises a nose engaging portion 104, a chin engaging portion 106, and a pair of sidewalls 108 laterally connecting the nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106. The nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106 are generally rigidly constructed and shaped as defined in the previous embodiment. The sidewall component 102 further comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 disposed therein. The plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external mask will not penetrate during inhalation similar to the design and shape of the plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120.

The outer wall 118 and sidewall 102 components combine to define the non-collapsible interior space 122 under the outer face mask 202. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is dimensioned to provide a physical barrier to prevent the external mask from collapsing against the face thereby interfering with breathing. Additionally, the non-collapsible interior space 122 prevents the exterior mask from absorbing moisture from perspiration as users exerts themselves. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is typically at least one inch in depth but may be deeper or shallower to accommodate children or larger people as desired.

The face engaging component 116 is attached to and extends around a perimeter 114 of the sidewall component 102 opposite the outer wall component 118. The face engaging component is generally flexible 116 and configured to conform to and adjust to the user's face around the nose and mouth. The face engaging component 116 may be manufacturer from a rubber, silicon, or similar flexible material, such as a rubber gasket, that can at least partially seal the mask adjunct device 100 around the nose and mouth while simultaneously acting as a cushion to decrease pressure against the face.

The mask adjunct device 100 may further comprise a securing component 126. The securing component 126 may be an adjustable or elastic band attachable or otherwise securable to the sidewall component 102 for securing the mask adjunct device 100 to the user's face under the outer face mask 202. The sidewall component 102 may further comprise a pair of securing component holes 112. The securing component holes 112 may be positioned through each of the pair of sidewalls 108 of the sidewall component 102 located substantially opposite each other. The securing component 126 could then attach to the sidewall component 102 through the pair of securing component holes 112 via a pair of fasteners or holding elements.

It is contemplated that the mask adjunct device 100 and the mask system 200 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What has been described above includes examples of the

med subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mask adjunct device for use under an external face mask, the mask adjunct device comprising: an outer wall component comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings; a sidewall component extending inward from the outer wall component, and a face engaging component extending around a perimeter of the sidewall component.
 2. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings.
 3. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component comprises a nose engaging portion.
 4. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component comprises a chin engaging portion.
 5. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the face engaging component adjustably conforms to a user's face.
 6. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is domed.
 7. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the outer wall and sidewall components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space.
 8. A mask adjunct device for improving airflow under an external face mask, the mask adjunct device comprising: an outer wall component comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings; a sidewall component extending inward from the outer wall component, the sidewall component comprising a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings, and a flexible face engaging component extending around a perimeter of the sidewall component; and wherein the outer wall and sidewall components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space.
 9. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the flexible face engaging component is a rubber gasket.
 10. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall and sidewall components are plastic.
 11. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall is flat.
 12. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall is domed.
 13. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the sidewall component comprises a nose engaging portion and a chin engaging portion.
 14. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the non-collapsible interior space is at least one inch in depth.
 15. The mask adjunct device of claim 8 further comprising a securing component for engaging a user's face.
 16. The mask adjunct device of claim 15, wherein the securing component is an adjustable band.
 17. The mask adjunct device of claim 15, wherein the securing component connects to the sidewall component via a pair of securing element holes in the sidewall component.
 18. A mask system with increased air circulation comprising: an outer face mask; a mask adjunct device insertable between the outer face mask and a user's face; the mask adjunct device comprising: an outer wall component comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings; a sidewall component extending inward from the outer wall component, the sidewall component comprising a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings, and a flexible face engaging component extending around a perimeter of the sidewall component.
 19. The mask system of claim 18, wherein the outer wall and sidewall components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space under the outer face mask.
 20. The mask system of claim 19, wherein the mask adjunct device further comprises a securing component for engaging a user's face under the outer face mask. 